Premier Grade Rugby Union: Palmyra defence to get first test of 2016

Palmyra squares off with Joondalup in round one of the Premier Grade tomorrow.

PALMYRA’S vaunted defence first system will receive its first test of the rugby union season when it hosts Joondalup in the opening round of the Premier Grade at Tompkins Park tomorrow .

Joondalup’s 2015 Premier Grade season was a historic one, with the club fielding a side at the top level for the first time in their history.

Last time the two sides met was in round 10 of last year’s campaign, which saw Palmyra come away 23-13 victors at Tompkins Park.

That win completed a season series sweep against Joondalup after a 26-13 round three victory over the then young Joondalup side.

This season may prove to be a different story with the Brothers hungry to cement a spot in the playoffs, and Palmyra looking to return to their usual strong form of past seasons.

Explosive Future Force winger Onehunga Havilli is expected to line up for Palmyra, though they will be missing the presence of Mees Erasmus, also from the Future Force, who is expected to make a return in round two.